WWE legend Dusty Rhodes dead at 69

(VARIETY) — WWE star Dusty Rhodes, also known as "The American Dream," died on Thursday. He was 69.

WWE confirmed the news in a statement: ""WWE is deeply saddened that Virgil Runnels, aka "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes — WWE Hall of Famer, three-time NWA Champion and one of the most captivating and charismatic figures in sports entertainment history — passed away today."

Triple H broke the news on Twitter.

Rhodes, who rose to stardom in the 1980s and 1990s, was inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.

"WWE extends its sincerest condolences to Runnels' family, friends and colleagues," the company said.

HOUSTON - APRIL 04: The American Dream Dusty Rhodes attends the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania's WWE Hall of Fame>> at the Toyota Center on April 4, 2009 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/WireImage)